Chapter 53

It was now July.

Miss Rosanna’s suspension was supposed to be for half a year.

And if it started at the beginning of the year, then it should be ended already.

Though, maybe it had been extended because she skipped class.

As they were not able to contact us students directly, I wondered if she would send flowers to me after her suspension.

But considering that it had not happened, I assumed that it had been extended.

Not that I cared enough to ask about it.

There would be a long break towards the end of the month.

But before that, there would be some ‘fieldwork’ that the First-Years and Second-Years would do together.

This practice would take place close to the Shadow Moon Road.

Apparently, they would form actual formations and hunt down the Moon Beasts.

There would be veteran Dragon Masters there to protect the Second-Years during their very first hunt.

As for us First-Years, we would watch them fight and run errands for them.

That way, we would know what to do next year and be able to take on their duties.

I was talking with my brother-in-law at the store like I always did when he suddenly warned me in a very serious tone.

“It seems that Makoku has started to move.”

We had talked about this before.

“I did some looking around when you told me last time. The barrier around this place is incredibly strong.”

The defense barrier around the Dragon Academy wasn’t a normal Detection Barrier. It physically prevented any intruders from entering.

There were two ways to overcome this.

The first was by using physical strength. Forcing the barrier open.

It would take a very long time, but technically, anyone could do it.

However, you wouldn’t have the time, as you’d be detected if you even tried.

A Dragon Master would probably come flying from the Dragon Master Grounds to the south.

You’d be eliminated before you could get in.

The other method was to use magic to slip through the barrier.

I suspected that there were a decent number of magicians who could do this.

You could nullify magic if you had stronger magic.

So a veteran magician would be able to get in if given enough time.

However, that meant only a limited number of people could get in.

They were only slipping through the barrier, after all. It was not the same thing as breaking it.

In other words, both of these methods had serious problems.

Important facilities had tight security like this, and so I wasn’t really worried.

Could a Makoku magician who was seeing this barrier for the first time, really get through it?

Perhaps they would use a different approach.

“Personally, I think they’ll try to attack when you are all out for the upcoming training.”

“…You think so too?”

If they wanted to attack us students, then that would be the best time.

They must be aware of the Dragon Academy curriculum.

Makoku would know that we had some field training during this time.

“But why would they want to attack the students?”

That was one thing I didn’t quite understand.

“You know about the Great Shift?”

I nodded. So, he had been told as well.

I wondered if it kept him awake at night

According to predictions, the Great Shift would occur in four years. The Shadow Moon Road would move to the north.

Because of this, Makoku’s capital would be destroyed and their granaries would be greatly reduced.

I didn’t know how long it would take to move the capital someplace else, but it would cause great chaos for sure.

“One of the reasons would be that they would want there to be fewer Dragon Masters when our countries finally do clash. And they would have a higher chance of succeeding than if they attacked veteran Dragon Masters. Another reason would be for the experience. Without experience, they won’t know how to fight the dragons. They would want to know these things soon so that they could prepare accordingly.”

That was certainly very bold of them.

“Still, I don’t see how the dragons could lose to any magicians.”

Dragons were tough.

If they were fighting one on one, I was sure that the dragon would win.

“Either they’re figuring a way around that or have ways of targeting the Dragon Master directly. Regardless, you fledglings are definitely going to be targeted once you go outside.”

“So, what’s going to be done?”

“Shadows will be sent out to protect the perimeter. I’m sure there will be soldiers as well. Security should be tight, but it won’t be perfect. And so you will likely be given orders as well.”

“Since I’m a student here, I guess I could protect them from the inside.”

“That’s most likely. Her Majesty said that this ambush will mean total war. I’m not sure what that means, but it is sure to be a fight like no other. I will be participating as well.”

Apparently, he was going to bring the store with him.

As the training would last for quite a long time, it was necessary to send people like him out for supplies.

“Now that I think about it, you’ve never been on a security mission, have you?”

“No. Of course, not.”

Right Hands were not expected to wait around for an attack that might never come.

“What do you think? You still have some time left, should I arrange things so that you can practice?”

“Is that necessary?”

“Well, you’ll be protecting them from an expected ambush. You already know how you would infiltrate a place, right? Just pretend the enemy would do the same, and you’ll be able to understand them better.”

“I see. That could be useful. Maybe I will practice just once.”

It would be useful to know how the people protecting us are thinking as well.

“Alright, then I’ll arrange it. Also, the expedition team will be sent ahead of the rest of you. So remember that.”

“Got it.”

Christan was in charge of the purchasing department, and there would be slow-moving carriages filled with products.

As we would be carried on the backs of the dragons, we’d arrive at our destination on the same day. But the carriages would have to travel for 4 to 5 days.

And so the people who were preparing things would have to go first.

So I understood why he had to go early.

However, he’d probably want to go on his own feet. He was a Right Foot, after all.

He was so impatient, and the carriage ride would be unbearable for him.

“As for the training, I’ll tell Siluru about it. I don’t really know much about the training grounds in the Royal Capital.”

I see. That was true.

“Understood. Tell her I’m ready when they are.”

I had said with a smile and left him. But that very night, I felt a presence outside of the dormitory.

When I went down into the garden, I saw the lady standing there all in black.

“…You’re quick.”

“Really? I thought it would be best to do this as soon as possible.”

“Well, I appreciate that. …So, it starts tonight?”

“Yes, it can. Besides, I think you should expect the ambush to come at night. They are after the Dragon Masters, aren’t they? That’s when they won’t be protected by the veterans.”

That was true.

It will be easy to find everyone when they are asleep. And they won’t be guarded.

“I get the idea. So, where will I train?”

“Follow me.”

I followed her until we reached the outer compound of the Royal Castle.

“Allow me to introduce them to you. These are the Left Hands who protect the castle gardens.”

“…Greetings.”

“…”

For some reason, they looked at me with murderous hostility.

It was always like this when I met Shadows of the Royal Capital.